Dunedin Pride Week is only two weeks away, and organisers say the days and nights of diverse events will serve and entertain the local LGBT community, and also act as a queer visibility campaign in the city. The opening night on Saturday the 8th of September is the 3rd Annual Lavender Globe Awards, where queer and queer-friendly organisations, businesses, personalities, queer-avengers, and sportspeople are acknowledged. "It also has a showcase of local talent, and an after-party to follow," reveals Dunedin Pride Week's Emmis Ellis. Sunday features queer Church services. "We've invited churches in the Dunedin region, encouraging them to have sermons on acceptance, diversity and family. There are a few queer-friendly churches, but it's definitely for those who aren't usually approached." On Monday is a panel discussion hosted at the University. "The topic hasn't been set yet, but the context will be about the 'queer demographic' in terms of the gay and lesbian movement, " explains Ellis. "How the language changed to LGBT, then the adoption of the word queer, with the pros and cons of that, and now where to from here?" A Rainbow lawyer will on the panel to talk about how it may still be possible to pass discriminatory laws despite New Zealand's Human Rights Act. During the free lunchtimes during the week will be a number of queer seminars. The Head of the Art Department will discuss queer art history, and a lecturer in the Theology Department will present 'Queerying of the Bible', among others. There will also be sexual health workshops, "so the Family Planning Association are doing their women who have sex with women booklet-based workshop, and the NZ AIDS Foundation are doing their sexual health workshops 'Nitty-Gritty' and 'Cocksure'." An Art Exhibition opening is on Tuesday, then Wednesday evening features a picnic and party for transgender people and their friends, families and allies. Wednesday is also the annual 'Rainbow Day', when "Dunedin's Octagon will be completely taken over," says Ellis. Thursday is the regular student market day, but with special shows and DJs for Pride Week. A dance class will be held in the evening at a local queer-run dance school, and a 'Kamp Karaoke' competition is also planned. Friday evening's plans include the X-rated Spectrum Dance party, and a party for youth. Dunedin Pride Week concludes with Saturday's family fun day in a local park, and the Pride Week Ball with cocktails. Student radio station Radio One will broadcast a queer radio special during Pride Week, which will be a two-hour special on queer music history. Dunedin Pride Week takes place on the 8th until the 16th of September. For all enquiries, email the organisers at: prideweek.dunedin@yahoo.co.nz. Ref: GayNZ.com (mandj)